South Sudan plane crash: All on board survive ‘miraculous’ landing

A commercial plane on Monday made a crash landing in poor weather at an airport in South Sudan, causing several injuries among the 43 on board.

“It is miraculous, completely,” said Ateny Wek Ateny, the South Sudanese presidential spokesperson. “There are only minor injuries. There was no single death.”

The incident took place at the airport in Wau, in the nation’s northwest.

Ateny said the pilot overshot the runway, dropping onto an unpaved ground.

The plane’s right wing hit a car and a fire started on the right side of the plane, Ateny said. The pilot opened the door near the tail, which was not on fire.

“The crew managed to evacuate everyone,” Ateny said.

Initially authorities were not able to find all the passengers because they fled the scene.

Wal Achieng, an official at South Supreme Airlines in Wau, said the plane carried 40 adults and three children. Twenty-five were taken to hospitals, Achieng said. Three remain hospitalized with minor injuries, Ateny said.